Partner Up!

“So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.” Exodus 17:10-13

Moses did not have the stand-alone strength to lead his people through the battle with the Amalekites. Moses held his hands excitingly high to lead the battle as it began. He was strong at first, giving his people inspiration and encouragement to succeed; however, after a while, Moses could no longer lift his arms as his physical strength was failing, and probably along with that, his mental and spiritual strength as well. God had it ‘rigged’ so that those fighting the battle would be defeated if Moses’ arms fell. Those nearest Moses witnessed what was happening and searched for a solution, finally coming alongside Moses and lifting his arms for him so that their people would succeed in battle. God was showing us a powerful picture that we are not to do things on our own strength. First, we need His help in order to succeed. Without God, failure is certain. Second, we need the help of those around us. Without both of these factors, we will fail… fast.

“they help each other and say to their companions, “Be strong!”” Isaiah 41:6

God did not intend for us to carry a burden or a particular task alone. It is too much for us to bear. We are to seek Christian partners in our ministry areas and in our lives.

“…They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone.” Numbers 11:17

Moses had been doing all the work himself and was getting overburdened and burned-out. Gethro, Moses’ father-in-law, gave Moses some great advise:

“Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good [Working too much by yourself]. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him. Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.” Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said.” Exodus 18:17-23

Take heed to Gethro’s advise and do not attempt to be a sinking island. Make sure to surround yourself with those described above as trustworthy people who fear the Lord. Share a heavy load to make it lighter for all.

Who are you partnered up with in ministry? in life?

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thes 5:11